
Pub
Pub by Revlon is a classic woody aromatic fragrance featuring a powdery, musky base with herbal top notes like star anise and basil. This retro scent, popular since 1973, provides a traditional masculine experience perfect for cooler autumn days. It remains an accessible choice for collectors who appreciate an authentic, no-nonsense barbershop profile that avoids modern synthetic trends.
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Performance Metrics
48 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity hits the four to six-hour range consistently. Projection is strong in the opening hour before settling into a moderate, arm's length sillage. It performs optimally in cool, dry autumn and winter climates.
Notes Pyramid
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A classic woody aromatic that opens with star anise and basil. The heart is a powdery blend of heliotrope and lavender, transitioning into a warm, resinous base of musk, vanilla, and oak moss. It has a dry, earthy, and clean texture.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe powdery and musky accords dominate throughout, behaving like a dry, protective blanket on the skin. The woody and aromatic notes provide a structural backbone that prevents the vanilla from becoming too cloying, ensuring a consistent, clean feel from the heart to the base.
Community Data
95 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and fall. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Extremely affordable price point
Authentic 1970s retro aesthetic
Reliable powdery musky dry down
Clean, professional barbershop vibe
Strong opening with good character
Versatile for autumn daily wear
Traditional masculine scent profile
Great for classic fragrance collectors
Consistent performance for a cologne
No modern synthetic cloying notes
Excellent budget-friendly gifting choice
Simple, no-nonsense scent evolution
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Can feel dated to modern noses
Lacks the complexity of niche scents
Longevity is only moderate
Not a crowd-pleaser for younger crowds
Packaging can feel very budget-oriented
Opening notes are quite sharp
Vanilla note is subtle, not gourmand
Requires appreciation for old-school musk
Not suitable for hot summer days
Projection tapers off quickly after an hour
Can lean too powdery for some
Limited availability in some regions
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Pub Revlon: A Relic of 1970s Masculinity”
Pub opens with a bracing, sharp burst that defines its era. You get an immediate hit of star anise and basil, grounded by a clean lemon brightness. It hits the nose with a familiar, high-energy opening that commands attention right away. There is no waiting for the scent to develop; the herbal top notes provide a distinct entrance that feels unapologetically traditional.
As it moves into the heart, the sharpness subsides. Heliotrope arrives to introduce a rounded, powdery texture that pairs with lavender for a clean, soapy effect. Lily-of-the-valley keeps the floral aspect light and dry rather than syrupy. This phase is where the fragrance starts to show its character as a reliable, daily-driver scent, moving away from the initial spicy sting toward something smoother and more comforting.
Dry-down is defined by a dense, powdery musk wrapped in vanilla and sandalwood. The oak moss adds a touch of classic earthiness that keeps the vanilla from becoming too sweet. On the skin, the movement is stable and predictable, fading into a skin scent that remains woody and slightly sweet for several hours. The base feels like a well-worn leather jacket, familiar and easy to wear.
Performance is respectable for the price. You can expect four to six hours of consistent longevity. It projects with a decent radius for the first sixty minutes, creating a presence that feels appropriate for professional settings, before settling closer to the body. It is best suited for cooler weather where the musky notes can really shine without being suffocated by high humidity.
This fragrance suits men who value history and reliability over modern trend-chasing. It is an excellent choice for a signature scent if you operate in conservative or classic style environments. If you are looking for an ultra-modern, sweet, or aquatic fragrance, this is not the right pick. It captures a specific moment in time.
Verdict: Sample it if you are a fan of retro barbershop scents. It is an affordable journey back to 1973. If you find powdery musk off-putting or strictly prefer contemporary designer releases, it is safe to skip.
FAQs
What is the primary scent profile of Pub by Revlon?+
Pub is a woody aromatic fragrance dominated by powdery and musky accords. The opening features herbal notes like basil and tarragon, while the dry down reveals a base of sandalwood, vanilla, and oak moss. It feels like a classic, well-established barber shop scent from the 1970s.
How does the opening compare to the dry-down?+
The opening is sharp and herbal, relying on star anise and lemon to provide a fresh, zesty kick. As it settles on your skin, the star anise fades to reveal a softer, powdery heart of heliotrope and lavender, grounded by the lingering warmth of vanilla and patchouli in the base.
Does Pub by Revlon have good longevity?+
Longevity is generally moderate, typically lasting around four to six hours on the skin. Your experience may vary based on skin chemistry and climate, but it is reliable for a full workday if you apply it generously to pulse points or clothing.
How would you describe the projection and sillage?+
Pub tends to have a strong projection during the first hour of wear. It fills the immediate space around you, making it noticeable to others without being overpowering. After the initial phase, it settles into a more moderate, arm's length sillage that remains consistently present throughout the day.
Is this a good fragrance for office wear?+
Yes, it works well in professional settings because it does not project aggressive, modern synthetic sweetness. Its woody, aromatic structure feels clean, traditional, and controlled. It projects a sense of reliable masculinity that suits conservative office environments or formal afternoon meetings quite well.
What season does this scent suit best?+
It excels during the cooler months, specifically autumn and winter. The warm spicy and vanilla accords ground the composition, allowing it to cut through crisp, chilly air. While some may wear it in spring, the musky, woody profile finds its natural peak when the temperatures drop.
Is Pub considered a masculine fragrance?+
Yes, Pub is marketed and widely perceived as a masculine fragrance. Its heavy reliance on oak moss, patchouli, and sandalwood, paired with a classic aromatic structure, places it firmly within traditional men's perfumery conventions of the mid-to-late twentieth century.
Who would enjoy wearing this perfume?+
Enthusiasts of retro, vintage barbershop scents will appreciate this the most. If you enjoy the style of babyboomer-era fragrances or classic woody aromatics, Pub offers an affordable and authentic experience. It suits those who prefer an unpretentious, straightforward, and historically grounded masculine scent.
Can this be used for layering?+
Because of its distinct powdery and herbal character, layering is tricky. It works best on its own as a signature scent. If you must experiment, try pairing it with a very simple, high-quality musk or a light woody fragrance to amplify those specific facets without introducing competing floral notes.
Is this scent suitable as a blind buy?+
If you are a fan of 1970s aromatic classics or powdery barbershop profiles, you will likely enjoy it. However, if you are accustomed to modern, sweet designer fragrances, it might feel dated or overly musky. Sampling first is always the safer path for a polarizing retro scent.
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Dupes & Alternatives
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For those seeking the retro vibe of Pub, consider classics like Brut by Fabergé, Tabac by Maurer & Wirtz, or Polo Green by Ralph Lauren, which share similar woody or aromatic foundations.
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